Epomaker MS68 Review: A Compact Keyboard with Mixed Performance
The Epomaker MS68 is a 65% mechanical keyboard designed to cater to both Windows and macOS users. While its compact form factor and aesthetic appeal are noteworthy, certain aspects of its performance and compatibility leave room for improvement.
Specifications:
– Layout: 65%
– Switch Type: Linear
– Dimensions: 328 x 113 x 40 mm
– Connectivity: USB-C, 2.4GHz wireless dongle, Bluetooth
– Compatibility: macOS, Windows, Linux
– Hot-Swappable: Yes
– Lighting: South-facing dynamic RGB
Design and Build Quality:
Encased in anodized aluminum, the MS68 exudes durability and a premium feel. Weighing approximately 3.3 pounds, it strikes a balance between sturdiness and portability. Its dimensions (12.9 inches in length, 4.4 inches in depth, and 1.5 inches in height) ensure it occupies minimal desk space. The blue variant offers a unique aesthetic, though it might stand out in traditional office settings.
The keyboard features wedge-shaped cutouts on its sides, facilitating easy lifting. The base is equipped with rubber feet to prevent slipping. On the back, there’s a USB-C port accompanied by two unlabeled switches: one toggles between Windows and macOS configurations, and the other manages connectivity modes. A notable addition is the 0.85-inch display located at the top right corner, providing various indicators and animations.
Typing Experience:
The 65% layout omits the function row and numpad, focusing on essential keys. While this design promotes a minimalist approach, it does exclude keys like Insert and End, though Home and Delete are present. Despite the inclusion of a Mac/Windows switch, the absence of macOS-specific keycaps (such as Command and Option) is a drawback for Mac users.
To compensate for the missing function row, an FN key provides access to secondary functions like Page Up, Page Down, and Print Screen. The keyboard employs a gasket mount with foam strips, incorporating three layers of spacers to absorb keystroke shocks. Paired with Epomaker’s factory-lubed Sea Salt linear switches (requiring 60 grams of force), this setup results in a typing experience that some may find overly cushioned or squishy. This design choice also contributes to a quieter typing sound, which might appeal to users in shared environments.
Connectivity and Display Features:
The MS68 offers versatile connectivity options:
1. USB-C Wired Connection: Simultaneously charges the built-in 3,000mAh battery.
2. 2.4GHz Wireless Dongle: Provides a stable wireless connection without additional setup.
3. Bluetooth: Supports pairing with up to three devices, with function shortcuts facilitating device switching.
The small display serves multiple purposes, indicating the current connection mode, active Bluetooth profile, operating system configuration, caps lock status, and battery level. It also displays the date and time and offers playful animations like a cat being petted or a car driving over rough terrain.
Customization and macOS Support:
Out of the box, the MS68 functions adequately on macOS, with all keys and function commands operational. Users can adjust the dynamic RGB lighting effects directly from the keyboard. For deeper customization, Epomaker recommends using VIA, a browser-based tool popular among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts for configuring macros and key mappings.
However, macOS users may encounter limitations:
– Date and Time Settings: The keyboard’s display shows the date and time, but there appears to be no straightforward method to update these settings.
– Image Customization: While it’s possible to create custom images for the display, Epomaker’s dedicated tool for this purpose is only available on Windows, leaving macOS users without an official solution.
Conclusion:
The Epomaker MS68 presents itself as a compact and stylish mechanical keyboard with commendable build quality and versatile connectivity options. However, its typing experience, characterized by a spongy feel, may not appeal to all users. The display, though a unique feature, offers limited functionality, especially for macOS users who face challenges in customization due to software constraints. The absence of macOS-specific keycaps further diminishes its appeal to Apple enthusiasts.
Pros:
– Attractive design with a sturdy aluminum build.
– Compact size suitable for minimal desk setups.
– Multiple connectivity options, including wired, 2.4GHz wireless, and Bluetooth.
Cons:
– Typing experience may feel overly cushioned for some users.
– Limited macOS support, especially concerning customization features.
– Lack of macOS-specific keycaps.
– Display offers limited functionality and customization options.
Rating: 2.5 out of 5
Availability:
As of now, the Epomaker MS68 is out of stock on Amazon, with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $130.
